Mike Todd and Molly McCluskey (pictured right) have revealed an original commission by local artist, Aly Harte (pictured left) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the upcoming Down Royal Festival of Racing in November.

Down Royal has revealed an original commission by local artist, Aly Harte to celebrate the 20 anniversary of the upcoming Down Royal Festival of Racing in November.

The painting portrays the colours and action of the winners of the JNwine.com Champion Chase from the past 20 years, depicting all the thrills and glory of winning Northern Ireland’s only Grade 1 Chase.

From Looks Like Trouble to Kauto Star and Beef or Salmon, the commission is a fitting tribute to both the Festival and the long-term support from local wine merchants, JNwine.com. The 2018 Festival takes place for the 20 and final time on 02 and 03 November at Down Royal Racecourse.

Molly McCluskey from Down Royal said; “Aly has brought the excitement of a National Hunt Chase, in particular the famous Champion Chase at Down Royal, to life, bringing all the colours of the past 20 Champion Chases into one painting.

“Aly has been able to not only capture the history of the Race, but the movement and motion of a champion hurdler around our racecourse. We’re delighted to have it for our official launch, as well as have it to display on the Festival weekend itself. We will also be gifting our Ladies in Racing with a silk scarf of the print to celebrate our theme for the 20 year.”

Aly added; “I have ridden horses from an early age and am fascinated by the movement and sensory experience that a race day brings. Not to mention the colours that bring it to life even more.

“I always enjoy being commissioned to create original artworks for individuals and corporate clients as each commission gives me an opportunity to showcase my talent in a truly unique way. This commission has been particularly special to create and the movement of the horse in the centre of the piece is representative of the final jump during an energetic race, with the kicking of the back leg and long neck demonstrating that last energetic stretch of a race.

“I'm very proud of this finished work as it is full of colour since I used block colours in the striking silks with stripes and stars in keeping with how they look on each rider. It has been a pleasure working with Down Royal.”

The Down Royal Festival of Racing celebrates its 20 year on Friday 02 and Saturday 03 November with high stakes action which is often a starting point for several Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winners.

With seven world-class races including the WKD Hurdle, MyCarNeedsA.com Chase, and the JNwine.com Champion Chase, the weekend is shaping up to be a competitive and thrilling start to the proper National Hunt season.

Mike Todd, General Manager at Down Royal Racecourse added; “2018 sees the 20 year of this prestigious Festival which has revolutionised racing in Northern Ireland. It has been fantastic to see the development of the Festival over the last 20 years. We have been very lucky to have had long term support from many of our Festival sponsors and we wouldn’t be here today without them. The JNwine.com Champion Chase is now synonymous with the start of the National Hunt season in the British Isles and I’m really excited to see what the 20 renewal will bring.”

Gates open from 11am on Friday 02 November and Saturday 03 November with the first race starting at approx. 12.30pm. Admission is £12 Friday and £15 Saturday, Children under 16 go free and there is free car parking for all visitors.

All tickets can be booked via DownRoyal.com or by contacting the office on 028 9262 1256.

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